M-TECH in Industrial Automation Robotics at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Industrial Automation & Robotics at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This Industrial Automation & Robotics program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on integrating advanced robotics, control systems, and automation technologies essential for modern manufacturing. India''''s rapidly growing industrial sector, especially in automotive, aerospace, and electronics, demands skilled professionals in smart manufacturing and automation. This program differentiates itself by offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience, preparing students for real-world industrial challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a B.E./B.Tech. in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, or related fields, seeking to specialize in the cutting-edge domain of automation and robotics. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill for Industry 4.0 roles or career changers transitioning into the high-demand automation sector in India. Candidates should possess a strong analytical aptitude and a foundational understanding of engineering principles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue dynamic careers as Automation Engineers, Robotics Engineers, System Integrators, or R&D specialists across Indian and global manufacturing giants. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 5-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-25 LPA. The program aligns with industry certifications in PLC programming, robotic operations, and industrial IoT, fostering rapid growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Technical Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding core concepts in advanced robotics, industrial automation, sensors, and control systems. Utilize lab sessions to gain hands-on proficiency with PLCs, robot manipulators, and data acquisition systems. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
Official course textbooks, MIT Manipal''''s dedicated automation and robotics labs, NPTEL courses on control systems and robotics, YouTube tutorials on PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal)
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for excelling in technical interviews for R&D and engineering roles and for building complex systems in future projects and jobs.
Develop Programming and Simulation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in programming exercises using languages like Python, C++, and MATLAB for robot control, AI/ML applications, and system simulations. Explore simulation software (e.g., Gazebo, RoboDK, SolidWorks Motion) to model and test robotic systems virtually. Participate in coding competitions related to automation.
Tools & Resources
Online platforms like HackerRank/LeetCode for programming practice, MATLAB/Simulink, Python libraries (NumPy, SciPy, OpenCV), University software licenses for simulation tools
Career Connection
Proficiency in programming and simulation is highly valued in roles requiring algorithm development, system integration, and virtual prototyping, enhancing employability in robotics companies.
Network with Faculty and Peers for Research- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively interact with faculty members to discuss potential research areas and project ideas within automation and robotics. Collaborate with peers on assignments and mini-projects, fostering a learning community. Attend departmental seminars and workshops to expand knowledge and identify research interests early.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Departmental research groups, MAHE research forums, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Early engagement in research can lead to publications, provide a head start for the final project, and open doors to academic or specialized R&D careers.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Industry-Relevant Internships- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and participate in internships at Indian manufacturing companies (e.g., Tata Motors, Mahindra, Fanuc India) or automation solution providers during summer breaks or as part of the curriculum. Focus on gaining practical experience in PLC programming, robotic cell design, or system integration.
Tools & Resources
MIT Manipal Placement Cell, Internshala, LinkedIn, Company career portals
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers (PPOs), significantly boosting placement prospects.
Specialize Through Electives and Projects- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career interests (e.g., AI for Robotics, IoT for Industrial Automation, Machine Vision). Begin working on Project Work Phase 1, focusing on a complex, novel problem, integrating knowledge from multiple courses. Aim for a tangible prototype or simulation.
Tools & Resources
Departmental elective guidance, Faculty research expertise, Project mentors, Access to advanced lab facilities
Career Connection
Specialization enhances expertise in a niche area, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in specific sub-domains of automation and robotics.
Participate in National Robotics Competitions- (Semester 3)
Form teams and participate in national-level robotics and automation competitions (e.g., RoboCon, India Skills, IIT-organized tech fests). This provides a platform to apply theoretical knowledge, develop teamwork, and showcase problem-solving skills under pressure.
Tools & Resources
College robotics clubs, Technical societies, Fabrication labs, Senior student guidance
Career Connection
Such participation demonstrates practical skills, innovation, and perseverance to potential employers, setting you apart in a competitive job market.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Thesis Project and Publication- (Semester 4)
Dedicate substantial effort to Project Work Phase 2, aiming for significant contributions. Meticulously document your research, methodology, results, and conclusions in a high-quality thesis. Endeavor to publish your work in reputed conferences or journals.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, Research paper databases (IEEE Xplore, Scopus), Faculty advisors, Plagiarism check software
Career Connection
A strong thesis and publication record showcase advanced research capabilities and deep understanding, highly beneficial for R&D roles, further studies (Ph.D.), and academia.
Prepare Holistically for Placements- (Semester 4)
Engage in rigorous placement preparation, including mock interviews, aptitude tests, and resume building workshops organized by the college. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight specialized skills in robotics, automation, and AI. Research target companies and their specific requirements.
Tools & Resources
Placement Cell resources, Online aptitude test platforms (indiabix, Freshersworld), Interview preparation books, LinkedIn profile optimization
Career Connection
Comprehensive preparation ensures confidence and readiness for the placement drive, maximizing chances of securing desired roles in top companies.
Cultivate Professional Certifications and Soft Skills- (Semester 4)
Obtain industry-recognized certifications in areas like robotic programming (e.g., FANUC, ABB), industrial IoT platforms, or advanced PLC technologies. Simultaneously, focus on developing essential soft skills such as leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication, through workshops and group activities.
Tools & Resources
Online certification platforms (Coursera, edX, Udemy), Industry training providers, MAHE''''s soft skill development programs
Career Connection
Certifications validate specialized knowledge, while strong soft skills are crucial for career progression into leadership and management roles in the Indian industrial landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechatronics / Mechanical / Electrical & Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Instrumentation & Control / Production & Industrial / Manufacturing Engineering / Robotics & Automation or equivalent degree with minimum 50% aggregate marks. Valid score in MAHE OET or GATE.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Theory), 70% (Lab), 100% (Project), External: 50% (Theory), 30% (Lab), 0% (Project)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTE 601 | Research Methodology and IPR | Core | 3 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Intellectual Property Rights |
| MTE 603 | Advanced Robotics | Core | 4 | Robot Kinematics, Robot Dynamics, Trajectory Planning, Robot Control, Mobile Robots, Robot Programming |
| MTE 605 | Industrial Automation | Core | 4 | Automation Concepts, PLC Programming, SCADA Systems, DCS, Industrial Communication Protocols, Industrial Control Systems |
| MTE 607 | Sensors, Actuators and Interface Electronics | Core | 4 | Sensor Principles, Transducers, Actuator Types, Signal Conditioning, Data Acquisition, Interface Circuits |
| MTE 609 | Industrial Automation and Robotics Lab 1 | Lab | 2 | PLC Programming Exercises, Sensor Interfacing, Robot Arm Control, Motor Control, HMI Design |
| MTE 611 | Program Elective 1 | Elective | 3 | Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0, Additive Manufacturing, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTE 602 | Technical Seminar and Communication Skills | Core | 2 | Technical Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion, Professional Ethics, Interview Techniques |
| MTE 604 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Robotics | Core | 4 | AI Fundamentals, Machine Learning Algorithms, Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Robot Perception |
| MTE 606 | Mechatronics System Design | Core | 4 | System Modeling, Simulation Tools, Design Optimization, Prototyping, Integrated Product Development, Case Studies |
| MTE 608 | Advanced Control Systems | Core | 4 | State Space Analysis, Optimal Control, Robust Control, Adaptive Control, Nonlinear Control Systems, Predictive Control |
| MTE 610 | Industrial Automation and Robotics Lab 2 | Lab | 2 | Robotic Vision, Image Processing, Machine Learning Applications, Advanced PLC Programming, Industrial Network Configuration |
| MTE 612 | Program Elective 2 | Elective | 3 | Machine Vision and Image Processing, Human Robot Interaction, Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Robotics and AI |
| MTE 614 | Open Elective 1 | Elective | 3 | Varies based on inter-departmental offerings |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTE 701 | Project Work Phase 1 | Project | 10 | Problem Definition, Literature Review, Methodology Development, Design and Simulation, Preliminary Results, Project Planning |
| MTE 703 | Program Elective 3 | Elective | 3 | IoT for Industrial Automation, Cyber Physical Systems, Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Smart Materials and Structures |
| MTE 705 | Open Elective 2 | Elective | 3 | Varies based on inter-departmental offerings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTE 702 | Project Work Phase 2 | Project | 22 | System Implementation, Data Analysis, Testing and Validation, Thesis Writing, Project Defense, Innovation |